Frankenstein Doesn't Plant Petunias

The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids Graphic Novels #2

by Pearl Low (Illustrations), Marcia Thornton Jones, Debbie Dadey

Dr. Victor's assistant at the science museum may -- or may not -- be Frankenstein's monster in this funny and spooky series from Graphix Chapters.

The Bailey School Kids take a field trip to a science museum, where they meet Dr. Victor and his hulking assistant, Frank. Secrets lurk behind every door in the spooky old museum. What's Dr. Victor doing in his hidden lab? And could Frank be Frankenstein's monster -- even though he loves to plant flowers?

Graphix Chapters are ideal books for beginning and newly independent readers. With approachable page counts, easy-to-follow paneling, and artwork that supports text comprehension, these engaging stories with unforgettable characters help children become lifelong readers.

Get drawn into reading with Graphix Chapters!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Monsters, Graphic Novels Comics, Paranormal, Fantasy, Childrens, Middle Grade

80 pages, Hardcover

First published August 2, 2022

Reviews

[alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

the pull to read the original series is getting stronger and stronger! This one was so sweet, shoutout to Frank

[Reagan Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing!

Nothing more added

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute series about NOT finding out the truth about monsters in real life! I mean, it's fun in that "leaves it completely ambiguous if Frank is actually Frankenstein's monster or just a scary-looking gardener" way, since it explores the What If? while assuring the reader the kids in the book just have overactive imaginations, haha.

Props for them having all-gender bathrooms, too! And don't even complain to me that that's political, since the bathrooms IN YOUR HOUSE are all-gender! If only public ones would be the same—single-person occupancy except for some family bathrooms—then there would be a lot less fuss over who's in the bathroom with you, since it would hopefully only be you alone or your family alone.

Anyway, a great, wholesome read, even for newcomers! You don't have to read any of the other books in the series to enjoy this one!

[Union County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bailey School Kids are back! Originally published in the early '90s, the series follows a group of rambunctious third graders convinced the adults around them aren't quite human. After all, what else could explain why grown ups are so weird? In this installment, Ms. Jeeper's class visits the eerie Shelley Museum of Science, curated by Dr. Victor and his unusually tall assistant, Frank. A full color character guide featuring a cast of racially diverse characters is included on the first page. With easy to follow panels, this graphic novel series is a perfect fit for newly independent readers in grades 1-3 who are looking for something comfortably creepy, but not too scary.

- Reviewed by Roxie I.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

So I really thought I had read the first one in this series but had forgotten a lot. But checking on Goodreads, apparently I didn't read the first one? Hmm...

Anyway, this was one of my absolute favorite novel series when I was in elementary school so I had to revisit it just for the nostalgia. Honestly though, I remember nothing about the books, just that I liked them.

This was short and cute but nothing too breathtaking. Oh well.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book at the local library and was excited to revisit this series I read growing up - reimagined in graphic novel form. The art is ok, the colors are vibrant and the story is super short to read in one setting. While there was nostalgia for me, the overall experience of reading the book wasn’t as impactful, and my 4.5 year old didn’t get into it as much as I’d hoped.

[Caitlin Forcier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the original, but I love seeing the stories reinvigorated to appeal to a new audience. It makes me want to dig out my old books and reread! I was checking this out to see if it would work for my 5yo son.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Jeepers takes her third grade class to Shelly Museum, where they meet Dr. Victor and his assistant Frank. The museum has lots of exhibits, but the Bailey School Kids are more interested in what happens behind the scenes of the ordinary.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing noteworthy. A solid graphic novelization of a fine text. An amusingly incorrect retelling of Frankenstein lurks within, but I won't fault a children's book for not mentioning self-immolation on an iceberg

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute adaptation of the book!

[Sarahs Reads ToKids]

Layla, Logan and Lydia have read this graphic novel.

[Christine Ditzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one A LOT more than the graphic novel version of Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots.

[Stephanie]

These are so cute. MORE PLEASE

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s cute but I think too cute and the children just don’t shine for me in the graphic novels.

[Lisa Lemelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does Frankenstein really plant petunias?!
The answer is ‘yes’ , he even has his own greenhouse!
But is he a friend or a monster?
Read to find out

[Caitlin Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this for my 7 year old niece bc I loved these books when I was younger.
Read it in one sitting.. while peeing.

[Cheryl Gladfelter · Rating 3 out of 5]

These graphic novel adaptions are really adorable. Both kids love hearing the stories.

[Amber Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s cute. A young kid (about 5-7 years old) who’s reading or staring to read might enjoy it.

[The_Sunflower_Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are so cutee 🥺 I love the art in these !!

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than the first adaptation. And students are weirdly attracted to it. I was reading it to a couple kiddos, and by the time I was done, three more had joined us.

[Yapha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice repackaging of the original series in graphic novel form. It will appeal to young readers looking for something spooky.

[Sheisbeingsodifficult · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but not as much as the first one. It was still cute, however. As cute as you can be with Frankenstein anyway.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bailey School Kids go on a field trip to the Shelley Museum, run by Dr. Victor and his assistant Frank. Liza doesn't take long to connect the dots and discover that all the names are somehow related to the novel, Frankenstein. Soon, they begin to observe mysterious events leading them suspect Dr. Victor.

The illustrations are great. The book also has an open ending for the readers to build upon. Recommended for kids who like to read short but pleasant books.

[Arman Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was based on a book from the early 1990s. So, I thought I read this but in a more illustrative graphic novel, shorter than I thought it would be.

[green · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute